Reefs & Rainforests with Sailing

Welcome to Sydney! Meet up with your brand new travel family and hit the road and head on a day trip to one of Australia's finest: the majestic Blue Mountains (which aren't actually blue, but are still beautiful all the same). Out here in the great Aussie Outdoors we'll be learning about the legends behind the famous Three Sisters rock formation as well as exploring the Jamison Ridge area. We'll head back to Sydney and the evening is yours to make the most of. Why not get a group together for a signature "Cook your own BBQ" dinner at Phillips Foote heritage restaurant in the heart of The Rocks, with freshly-caught seafood or succulent steak just like the locals. Stay: Wake Up Hostel (or similar)

This morning set out to explore this sun-drenched, cosmopolitan and eternally cool city. Your Trip Manager will give you the low down on all of Sydney's best bits as you get a tour of the highlights. Check out the Opera House, catch the ferry to Watsons Bay to experience the iconic skyline from a different perspective, then venture over to Bondi Beach where you can spend the afternoon lazing about in the sunshine. If you've got a head for heights, an optional Sydney Harbour Bridge climb is the best way to see that iconic harbour. (B)

With a full free day to choose your own adventure, we have plenty of Free Time Add-Ons for you to pick from. Wine-lovers can sign up for an Australian wine tasting experience; water-lovers can opt for a sunset cruise or jetboat on the harbour. (B)

With Sydney satisfaction levels at a high this morning we jump on a plane to Byron Bay where all your hippie dreams can come to life. Landing in Byron Bay, we'll drop off our bags at the accomodation and start as we mean to go on, heading straight to the beach. Here in Byron we'll unleash our secret talent for surfing with an included lesson. You'll be a pro in no time!Afterwards, why not finish the afternoon with some beer tasting at a famous Byron Bay Brewery? (B)

We'll continue the surf vibes today with the option to kickstart our morning with sunrise at Australia's most easterly point before filling up on an included breakfast. Then you have the rest of the day free to explore like a local. With the afternoon stretched out ahead of you, there's kayaking, relaxing on the beach and whale watching (seasonal) all on offer - your time here will be nothing short of magic. (B)

It's time to wave goodbye to Byron and head up the coast to Noosa Everglades. But first, why not opt for early morning yoga on the beach as you watch the golden sun stretch over the famous bay?On the way north we'll stop at Hosanna Farm, an authentic Aussie working farm where you'll have the chance to meet and feed the farm animals, as well as try some traditional Australian tucker - damper & billy tea. Buzzing from our farm adventures, we'll head to our next destination, the Noosa Everglades. Here we'll unpack at our Special Stay Eco Lodge home for the next two nights and relax with a group dinner in the bistro & bar area, surrounded by the chatter and rustling of local birds and kangaroos. (B/D) Stay: Habitat Noosa

Wake up to the sound of birds chirping at our Eco Camp this morning (you might even spot a kangaroo) and grab a quick brekkie before heading out for a day on Fraser Island. Your spirits will be at an all-time high after this day full of sand dunes, scenic lakes and dense rainforests. We'll cruise along the world's longest sand highway before you appease your hunger with a tasty lunch. It's back to the Eco Camp this evening for our final night here. You have free time to tuck into some food at the bistro, sample the offerings at the CootharaBAR boutique brewery, or just relax and enjoy the lush surroundings of this beautiful protected National Park. (B/L)

What better way to say goodbye to The Glades than with an optional Canoeing Excursion on one of only two Everglades in the world! Afterwards we're on our way to find coastal nirvana at the pristine beaches of the Whitsundays. We'll hop on a plane for a flight to Airlie Beach. Landing in Airlie Beach, you'll notice everything starting to look a bit more tropical. Hello Whitsundays! We'll head to the marina where we'll begin our Whitsundays sailing adventure and meet our crew before bunking down on our sailing yacht for the night. (B/D) Stay: Converted Sailing Yacht

How often do you get to wake up in paradise? Today we'll spend the whole day cruising the Whitsundays with our crew. Swim, snorkel, eat and repeat. Do as much or as little as you like - help the crew, snorkel some of the best coral reefs in Australia and laze on the fine sands of Whitehaven beach (cue: more pinch yourself moments). Soak it all in and relish living your best beachcomber life. (B/L/D)

Is there anything better than the Whitsundays? We think our next destination definitely comes close! We'll board a train this morning heading for Townsville. Once we arrive we'll waste no time and get straight into a visit to Reef HQ. This fascinating place is part aquarium, part educational experience, where you can see a dazzling rainbow of corals and tropical fish and meet the volunteers who are doing their bit to save the Barrier Reef. Your guided tour here included an intro to the Reef, a visit to the Turtle Hospital and an overview of the 'Eye on the Reef' app, which you can download and update yourself in order to contribute to the overall health of the reef. Then it's time to head to Magnetic Island on the ferry. Magnetic Island is an apt name for this captivating isle, with its coastal walking trails and gum trees teeming with lazy koala bears. We'll have plenty of time to explore, partake in watersports in the bright turqouise waters or meet some of the local marsupials. But this evening, we'll enjoy some champagne and watch the sun set over the bay. (B/D) Stay: Stay Base Backpackers (or similar)

We have a whole day on this paradise island - lucky us! We'll waste no time meeting the locals, with a chance to eat an unlimited chef-cooked breakfast with some cuddly Koalas at the Bungalow Bay Koala Village. Then we can check out some of the walking trails - such as the Forts Walk which offers up stunning views of the Palm Island Group as well as WWI fortifications, and the chance to see more koalas in the wild- or enjoy some free time at Horseshoe bay, taking a dip on the azure waters and relaxing on the beach. See Magnetic Island's resident Rock Wallabies at dusk before a free evening, where we can watch the sunset and check out some of the local bars. (B)

After breakfast this morning we'll say farewell to our furry koala friends and depart Magnetic Island on a ferry. But we'll never forget its singular beauty. Back in Townsville we won't hang around too long, as we're hopping on a train headed to Cairns, where we'll arrive late afternoon. Welcome to the city where rainforests meet reefs, lagoons meet luxury hotels and boardshorts and business suits live side by side. (B) Stay: Gilligan's Hostel (or similar)

Make the most of your free day here in Cairns and jump on our optional day trip out to Australia's most famous natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef. Board a catamaran out to the reef and try your hand at snorkelling, gape at the mindblowingly colourful coral and listen to the marine crew tell you all there is to know about this wonder. This day is a must-do for any trip to Oz! (B)

Good morning Cairns you delightful palm tree paradise. Today we'll take you on a Dreamtime walk at Tjapukai where you can explore the rich history of the world's oldest living culture. After getting your culture fix for the day, why not unleash your inner-adrenaline junkie and take a leap of faith at AJ Hackett Bungy Jumping? Or take to the rapids for an action-packed afternoon of white-water rafting on the Barron River. Adrenaline spikes not your thing? This afternoon could also be the perfect chance to sign up for a trip on the Skyrail. Here you can gain a truly unique perspective of Australia's World Heritage listed tropical rainforest, gliding above the canopy before descending to the forest floor to continue your guided explorational journey in the tropical hippie paradise of Kuranda. Known for its appreciation of sustainable living and alternate therapies, Kuranda is a unique village in a world of commercialism. Take the famous Kuranda Railway back to Cairns for a relaxing end to your day. (B)

Time to head to our penultimate destination this morning as we depart Cairns for Cape Tribulation. We'll stop at Alexandra Lookout for a quick photo op that is almost guaranteed to have the likes rolling in. Next we'll roll in to the remote coastal point of Cape Tribulation (make sure you ask your Crew how it got it's name) where we'll get to experience a bit more of life off the beaten track, before turning in (or turning it up) for your final night in Aussie. (B) Stay: PK's Backpacker Lodge (or similar)

Rise and shine for your final day! After breakfast we'll take a guided walk up to a lookout to see where the rainforest meets the reef. Making our way back to Cairns today, we stop in Port Douglas where you'll have free time for lunch and then we're back on the coach for our last drive as a group. Make sure you say your goodbyes to your new-found family as your trip ends on arrival back into Cairns late afternoon. (B)